San Beda, Lyceum face off in championship rematch

The Lions and Pirates have just waltzed their way to another championship dance.

San Beda and Lyceum got to renew their championship rivalry after ousting semifinal rivals yesterday in NCAA men’s basketball at The Arena in San Juan City.

The two-time champion Red Lions roared to their 13th straight finals appearance with an 83-72 win over the University of Perpetual Help Altas while the Pirates banked on an explosive third quarter to book a return trip to the finals with a 109-85 drubbing of the Letran Knights.

This will be the second consecutive time that San Beda and Lyceum will battle in the best-of-three championships, with the Red Lions seeking a repeat finish from last season where they swept the Pirates for the crown.

Graduating star Robert Bolick fired 23 points while Javee Mocon and Donald Tankoua combined for 27 points and 33 rebounds as San Beda guns for its 11th crown in 13 seasons.

Mike Nzeusseu, meanwhile, paced Lyceum with 23 points and 17 rebounds, while CJ Perez had 19 points, five boards, three assists and four steals. Jaycee Marcelino and Spencer Pretta chipped in 15 points each contributed 11 points.

Game 1 of the finals will be on Nov. 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In juniors action, Jose Rizal University and San Beda bested higherranked rivals to forge knockout semifinal matches.

The fourth-seeded Light Bombers edged defending champion and top pick La Salle Greenhills, 81-78, while No. 3 Red Cubs downed No. 2 Mapua, 84-71.

The do-or-die match is Monday at The Arena in San Juan City.